How to Search for a New Occupation

Change of occupation is an integral part of career planning. Canadians often change their occupations but more often it is done by immigrants soon after arrival in Canada.

Your first decision making step has to be based on your specific situation. Write a detailed list of the reasons why you want to change your career; it will clarify your requirements for new job. If you do not do this, you will face the same problems after changing occupations. Before deciding on a career change, talk with your family and friends and get advice from a Canadian expert on career planning.

You should not rush to choose a new occupation. Determine the range of your interests and your options, schedule a few options and investigate them in detail. Visit appropriate information sessions or orientation courses and then you be able to make a final choice.

How can you find an occupation, which is right for you

One of the best Canadian online tests for career choice is Career Cruising. If you have a Toronto library card, through the library website www.torontopubliclibrary.ca you will have access to this test. After finishing the test, you will get a list of occupations, which are suitable for you.

Also a good source for you is the book Linda Gale "Discover What You're Best At." You can take out this book in many libraries of Toronto. This book provides six tests. Tests are used to check the following:

• How you are strong in business management.

• Ability to handle information.

• Ability to think logically.

• Knowledge of mechanics.

• Ability to work with numbers.

• Knowledge of public relations.

Is there a future for the occupation you like?

When choosing a new profession or specialty, of course you are curious how it is in demand today and will be promising in the future. You can learn about the prospects of an occupation in Canada in 2020 on the site of Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS). The address is: http://www23.hrsdc.gc.ca/w.2lc.4m.2@-eng.jsp.

According to the forecast number of jobs for managers in public administration and management of human resources will increase, and demand for professionals who have only school education will decrease. The labour shortage will affect mainly the health sector (it will be a high demand for nurses and their assistants, technicians, physiotherapists and radiation therapy). One reason for the excess demand is limited opportunities for educational institutions to educate the necessary number of specialists. It will be a labour shortage in industries related to oil and gas industry, construction and restoration of buildings, also will be required contractors and managers in commerce.

How to find an occupation that does not require a license

Maybe you decide that you would prefer a profession that does not require a license. There are many such professions. The site www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?faq_id=4001109 contains some occupations that do not require licenses. In Ontario, there are about 100 such occupations.

Who can enroll in the "Second Career" program?

The Ontario government has decided to provide funds (on average, about 18,000 dollars per person) for the retraining of 20,000 persons who have lost their jobs. They can obtain new occupations which are in high demand in Ontario. This program is called "Second Career". Persons who meet the requirements of this program will be supported with money for long-term studies (from six months to two years). These requirements are quite simple: You have to be laid-off and be receiving employment insurance. Then you can take this program.

If you are accepted for this program, you will get money for school books, everyday expenses, transportation, etc. You will find more information about program "Second Career" on the site: www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/secondcareer/whatitis.html.

There are two sites that will help you to navigate your career transition: www.quintcareers.com/career_change_resources.html and

Also, there are two books: Watters Marge. "It's Your Move. A Personal and Practical Guide to Career Transition and Job Search for Canadian Managers, Professionals and Executives" and Crannich Ron. "Change Your Job, Change Your Life."